Comments for "The Golden Compass': Beyond hype to discernment at http://pres-outlook.net , comment 1 to 3 out of 3 comments http://pres-outlook.net Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:49:06 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://pres-outlook.net/news-and-analysis/1-news-a-analysis/6505.html#comment-3709 At the conclusion of my article I pointed to the Book of Confessions, I hope suggestively. To your comment, catechesis is not the same as telling people they should not go to a movie or read a book. My worldview is very different than Pullman's. I stand by my conviction that the Reformed tradition is all about engaging with and seeking to transform the culture, rather than to oppose it without any engagement whatsoever. That's what I meant by my comment. Sincerely in Christ, Quinn - Quinn Fox Thu, 20 Dec 2007 12:00:00 +0100 http://pres-outlook.net/news-and-analysis/1-news-a-analysis/6505.html#comment-3694 I wrote an article for our December newsletter laying out many of the objections I have to Pullman's work and intent in his writings, and thus in this adaptation of his work. As to your remark, 'Telling you what you ought to do would be contrary to what we understand to be the Reformed and Presbyterian approach to being a Christian.' This bothers me almost as much as the film. I wonder if it does not reflect a worldview that perhaps has a little too much in common with Pullman. If this remark is true, then perhaps we should dispense completely with the Book of Confessions, on the basis that true catachesis is a thing of the past... - Walter Taylor Thu, 13 Dec 2007 12:00:00 +0100 http://pres-outlook.net/news-and-analysis/1-news-a-analysis/6505.html#comment-3692 I enjoyed Fox's article on the Golden Compass and wanted to add a couple of observations. The first is that I don't really understand the animosity that such pieces of fiction generate. Stories are rich and multi-faceted and can always be seen from any number of angles and vantage points; each of which offer new and surprising insights. It is distressing to me that so many Christians (so-called) seemingly want to control what we think about, see, and read. Such attempts at mind-control don't strike me as good or healthy. Fox's suggestion of discussion and education seem like a far better way. The second is that I find that Jesus has a wonderful way of sneaking into almost any venue and revealing Himself even without the intent of the author. Fox didn't discuss what to me was a most interesting aspect of the movie and that was the opposition of 'dust' and the 'magisterium'. Although it wasn't explained very clearly, 'dust' seems to be a universal substance that conveys 'truth'; a truth that cannot be controlled by those who attempt to manipulate people for their own gain. In the play of the truth conveyed by the elithiometer against the falsehood of the magisterium, I could hear the echoes of Jesus' conversations with the religious elite of his day. Peace Dan - Daniel Wolpert Tue, 11 Dec 2007 12:00:00 +0100